Capstone Project - Last Day

This project was completed on April 12, 2019. We implemented the integration of FX2000 Fire Alarm Panel, TX3 Card Access Panel, Reliable Controller, Flex-Net terminal panel into the OpenGN platform which is a real-time monitoring and management software.

As the demonstration shown in the video below, the card access panel has the remote control and tap functions to open the door strike. Every time the gate is opened, the OpenGN platform will show its location and status on the screen. When there is a fire situation happening in the building, and if someone pulls the pull station, the fire alarm panel will trigger the strobe and siren and release all the gate in the building at the same time. The TX3 panel is also programmed to send a signal to the reliable controller, the controller will provide a 5V voltage from its output to the Belimo actuator which will open the exhaust air damper to discharge the smoke in the building.

Illustrations:

Capstone Project - Day 6

Our group has finally reached out to Christian Mircom technician. He will assist on renewing the FX 2000 password by next week.

Today our group worked on installing phone panel and integrating third party devices to the OpenGN. First method we tried was connecting through Modbus with easy IO. In order to generate an XML code we needed to create a string to send to Open gateway. 

Another method was through in-suite, connecting to the OpenGN. In-suite needed POE switch to operate and we worked on installing in C527. We are still working on both methods.

Capstone Project - Day 5

Continued to integrate each panel with the OpenGN software. Based on the success last week, one of the card access control panels was connected to the OpenGN with the ethernet cable. We were planning to set this panel as a master panel, and then add the remaining two panels to this master panel with RS485 connection. The setting was successfully programmed with the TX3 software. but the OpenGN gateway was not available to reach their IP address because the remaining two panels were connected to a different router in the classroom. We struggled through the network problem as each panel needed individual IP to integrate with the OpenGN, and also they needed to connect to one switch in the same router.

For testing the network configuration, we ran a long ethernet cable to each panel and then they had their own IP address. The OpenGN gateway reached all the IP and built up the connection successfully. Therefore, we eventually manage to integrate all three panels to the OpenGN but for ideal configuration, we still need to solve the networking issue.

Capstone Project - Day 4

In day 4, we were supposed to start using Ionics software by the reason for comparing the difference between OpenGN and Iconics platform. we were trying to test both of the software to see which one is more efficient, but we are still waiting for the demo software from Iconics. Therefore we had shelved the plan to use Iconics.

We were working on the OpenGN platform software today and trying to configure the setting to connect with FX2000 fire alarm panel. According to the previous testings, the IP configuration failed by connecting with the ethernet cable, then we decided to try to use the RS232 communication port on the FX2000 panel. By the reason of out of RS232-Ethernet cable, we made our own cable. Therefore, we found a discarded male side of the RS232 cable and half of the ethernet cable, and then re-wired them.

The installation setup of MGC fire alarm panel configuration kit was found in the existed USB key with the provided computer. We were available to change the setting of the FX2000 panel and create the XML file by using this kit. But the XML file was not available to save because of the expiration of Codemeter Key.

Otherwise, we tested out the Card Access Control Panel afterwards. We had a few connecting issues at the beginning, but finally configured the IP address and the TX3 software setting. So we got one panel works at this moment.

Please check out the video of the real-time card access control panel monitoring by OpenGN below

Capstone Project - Day 3

The first thing of today was relocating the intercom system panel and OpenGN gateway with computer and monitor in the entrance area. Both pieces of equipment were mounted on the wall, as the photo shows below:

Each of the stations installed another card reader outside of the bench on the card access control system. Cables were running and installed hiddenly under each bench.

Some problems popped up when we tried to integrate the whole system. We logged in the FX2000 panel pad by using the provided password from Prof. Leo, but the FX2000 configuration tool software was needed to set up the communication of OpenGN and the FX2000 panel. Also, the RS232 cable was needed to connect the fire alarm panel and convert to ethernet.

Capstone Project - Day 2

According to the content from the previous day of Capstone Project, we were still working on the non-finished physical wiring for some devices. And try to integrate them into a system by using the OpenGN platform. We were mainly researching the installation and operation manuals of the OpenGN platform and testing its software that pre-installed in the lab computer. The floor plan of our laboratory rooms C505 and C527 on the fifth floor has existed in the system. Our purpose is to integrate all subsystems and link them to OpenGN, then the system will show all the locations and details of on the floor plan.

The monitor and computer with OpenGN will be installed in front of the lab class, and this will be one of the features of the future demo room. An FX-2000 Fire Alarm System was provided by Professor Leo and will be integrated together.

Capstone Project - Day 1

The introduction of Mircom OpenGN Platform and Capstone Team:

OpenGN (Open Graphic Navigator) is an advanced, PC-based, Integrated System Graphic Annunciator. OpenGN provides centralized Life Safety Systems/Mass Notification network annunciation with real-time event notification, historical event logging, report generation, and control of multiple panel networks and devices.

Our team is formed by four people, me, Dave, Hector and Varshil. and Dave is the leader of the team.

Process and Goal:

In the first day of Capstone, we were focusing on the preparatory work: setup and run the OpenGN software, learn more information of the Mircom LT-980 TX3-CX Card Access control controllers and FR-320 Fire Alarm Systems, download the installation manuals from the website, check all wiring connections and install the missing components.

Our goal is to set up all intercom systems, card access control controllers and Fire Alarm Systems, get them to communicate with each other and supervised by the OpenGN software.

Capstone Project - Mircom OpenGN Platform

Description

Mircom has been a long time supporter of our Building Automation program and has hired several of our students over the past years as well as integrating some of our ideas on to their OpenGN platform. This project will continue to work with OpenGN to display information on the status of the connected building systems such as Fire and Card Access panels as well as research other building systems that can be added to the platform. Integration with BIM will also be investigated.

Deliverables

1. Re-commission existing Fire and Card Access panels using the latest OpenGN software platform.

2. Explore the Digital Twin features of OpenGN and include the DSC alarm system.

3. Design a network connected I/O interface that can be used to display status points of the devices

connected to it. (Example, if the room is occupied or lights are on or off).

 4. Connect other labs on the 5th floor to OpenGN.